NNPC collaborates with Usmanu Danfodiyo University to develop energy conversion, storage system

…Project’s details not known yet

…Energy experts seek more credible gown-town partnership

Ben Eguzozie, in Port Harcourt

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is to collaborate with the Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDU), Sokoto, to develop an energy inter-conversion and storage system which would serve as catalyst for Nigeria’s economic development and transformation.

Details of the energy system were not immediately disclosed by the parties.

The collaboration depicts the gown-town relationship, where the university system undertakes industry-specific researches which results go to solve society’s needs.

Over the years, this has been grossly lacking or poorly embedded into Nigeria’s higher education – each sector just about worked at cross-purpose to the other.

However, with the new-normal environment, energy experts seek more credible Nigeria gown-town strategic partnership, which has become more apparent.

This feeling was much captured by the group managing director of NNPC, Mele Kyari when he addressed the UDU governing council at the corporation’s headquarters: “It is high time universities connected to the world. It is also high time researches left the drawing board and came to work for the communities. Let us see how some of your abilities can be put to use for the common good of us all,” said Kyari.

The UDU governing council led by its pro-chancellor, Pearl Enejere, a retired justice, had visited the national oil company. Kyari and the university’s vice-chancellor, Lawal Suleiman Bilbis, a professor, jointly pledged for the collaborative initiative.

On his part, the vice chancellor, Lawal Bilbis, called on both NNPC and UDU to serve as catalysts for development, so as to provide lasting solutions to Nigeria’s energy problems.

Kyari particularly said the corporation was ready to collaborate with the university in the area of energy transition and renewable energy, which were key features of the corporation’s new business focus. He welcomed the UDU management to the NNPC, challenging them to always champion the development and transformation of their local communities through research and innovation.

The V-C commended the GMD on his stewardship so far, especially in the area of transparency and accountability which he said, have engendered a positive transformation in the corporation and the Nigerian oil and gas industry at large.

“NNPC is being transformed. We’re seeing the NNPC of our dream. I believe if other sectors of the economy are doing like NNPC, Nigeria would work for all of us,” the vice chancellor said.